Battery handling systems and methods for telecommunication sites

ABSTRACT

A method of handling and removing batteries from a telecommunications site includes identifying one or more batteries for removal, each of the one or more batteries having a hazardous condition associated therewith; individually wrapping each of the one or more batteries and placing each wrapped battery in a container or in a location in a container; tracking the container or the location in the container to the associated wrapped battery; removing the container from the telecommunications site to a storage facility; storing the container in the storage facility separate from other batteries; provide the container to a recycling facility; and verifying proper disposal of the one or more batteries based on the tracking from the telecommunications site to the storage facility and to the recycling facility.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present patent/application is a continuation-in-part of thefollowing patents/applications, each of which is incorporated byreference in full:

Filing Date Serial No. Title Sep. 7, 2017 15/698,148 DE-CELLINGBATTERIES FOR INSTALLATION IN TELECOMMUNICATION SITES Jul. 20, 201715/655,272 BATTERY RECYCLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS ASSOCIATED WITH CELLSITES AND THE LIKE Jun. 20, 2017 15/628,070 BATTERY INSTALLATION WITHSECURITY SCREWS FOR THEFT DETERRENCE IN CELL SITE SHELTERS AND THE LIKEJul. 28, 2016 15/221,866 BATTERY INSTALLATION IMPROVEMENT APPARATUS ANDMETHOD IN CELL SITE SHELTERS AND THE LIKE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to telecommunication siteinstallation systems and methods. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to battery handling systems and methods fortelecommunication sites, such as cell sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Due to the geographic coverage nature of wireless service, there arehundreds of thousands of cell towers in the United States. With over200,000 cell sites in the U.S., geographically distributed everywhere,installation and maintenance at cell sites can be expensive,time-consuming, and complex. For example, cell sites include a shelteror cabinet located proximate to the cell tower. For networkavailability, the shelter or cabinet includes a battery backup for powerredundancy when a primary power source is unavailable, such ascommercial power. For example, depending on configuration, the batterybackup may include 4, 8, 16, 48, etc. batteries which each can weighseveral hundred pounds. The installation/removal process such batteriesis labor intensive and slow. It would be advantageous to provide abattery installation improvement apparatus and method in cell siteshelters and the like to address the labor intensity and speed. Also, itwould be advantageous to provide methods for installers to deal with thesevere weight of the batteries during installation.

Currently, operators are dealing with high battery theft rates. Formertechnicians, employees, and subcontractors with known site accessinformation makes removal of batteries an easy target as in many casesno forced entry is required, in addition to third parties who simplybreak in. Batteries are either delivered directly to or are picked up bysmelters and recyclers in exchange for currency based on lead contentand weight—and thus can return a high dollar amount.

Additionally, with hundreds of thousands of batteries installed atexisting cell sites—and given an average of 5 years of lifeexpectancy—there is a continuous need to monitor and replace batteries.With ever increasing Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) regulationsand requirements put on wireless carriers, there is a growing need toefficiently and properly remove, dispose, and recycle used batteries.Proper handling, packaging, storage, and transportation of batteries inthe recycling process is a critical component of battery replacementservices. A clear chain of custody is required from the original removalof batteries at cell sites through the final recycling certificateshowing completion of proper disposal.

Also, there is a need to inspect, audit, verify, etc. maintenance andinstallation work performed at cell sites. Further, there is a need toverify the proper configuration, installation, etc. over time. Withthousands or more cell sites, such work is difficult, costly, andtime-consuming. There is a need for efficient cell site audit andinspection systems and methods, specifically to verify battery andequipment connection integrity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment, a method of installing batteries in atelecommunications site includes obtaining a battery in a module with aplurality of cells in the module at a staging location; de-celling thebattery to remove the plurality of cells from the module; handling theplurality of cells individually at the staging location; transportingthe plurality of cells individually to the telecommunications site; andreassembling the battery by placing the plurality of cells back in themodule and installing the module at the telecommunications site. Thebattery can include a 2V battery and the telecommunications sitecomprises a cell site.

The de-celling can include sliding the plurality of cells out of themodule substantially parallel to the ground. The de-celling can includeapplying a spray lubricant to the plurality of cells prior to removalfrom the module. The de-celling can include applying a spray lubricantto the plurality of cells prior to removal from the module, and slidingthe plurality of cells out of the module substantially parallel to theground. The de-celling can include attaching a non-conductive bracket tothe cells, attaching a strap to the bracket, and sliding the cells outusing the bracket. The de-celling can include applying one of a spraylubricant, powder, gel, and petroleum to the plurality of cells prior toremoval from the module, attaching a non-conductive bracket to thecells, attaching a strap to the bracket, and sliding the cells out usingthe bracket. The handling can include placing individual cells on apallet with protective insulator layers and transporting the pallet tothe site. The handling can include placing individual cells on a palletwith protective insulator layers, strapping the cells together and thecells to the pallet, shrink wrapping the pallet, and transporting thepallet to the site. The reassembling can include applying a spraylubricant to the plurality of cells prior to reinsertion in the module.The reassembled module can be positioned in a rack using a batteryinstallation apparatus.

The battery installation apparatus can include a frame comprising fourposts, wherein the frame is dimensioned to maneuver in a shelter orcabinet; a lower shelf fixed to the frame; an upper shelf moveable onthe frame, wherein each of the lower shelf and the upper shelf aredimensioned to support the batteries; and omnidirectional wheelsdisposed to each of the four posts. The frame can be dimensioned basedon a size of the battery system and a size of the shelter or cabinet.The battery installation apparatus can further include a pulley systemcoupled to the four posts to vertically raise and lower a shelf of theshelves. The pulley system can include a handle which is rotated to movethe upper shelf and which holds the upper shelf when the handle isstationary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein withreference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers areused to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary cell site;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary interior of a shelter at the cellsite;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary battery system;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a battery installation apparatus for assisting inthe removal and installation of the batteries in the shelter;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a battery installation method for assisting inthe removal and installation of the batteries in the shelter using thebattery installation apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example of a security screw;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a battery with security screws attachingterminals to terminal plates;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams of a bracket fastened to a housing via thesecurity screws;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of batteries installed in an outside plant cabinet;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a battery installation method with securityscrews for theft deterrence in cell site shelters and the like;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrates a battery recycling method;

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of a pallet, an insulation sheet, and atop sheet without batteries for use in the battery recycling method ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrates a mobile device or generalcomputing device, which may be used for the tracking aspects of thebattery recycling method and the back-end server/cloud;

FIG. 15 is a picture of a torque mark on the connection between theterminals and the terminal plates for the battery;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an exemplary interior of a building, such as ashelter, at the cell site;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a virtual site survey process for the cellsite;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a close-out audit method performed at a cellsite subsequent to maintenance or installation work;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of 2V batteries which come from amanufacturer in rack modules with three cells in each;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a battery de-celling process; and

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a process for handling hazardous orEnvironmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) condition batteries.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates tobattery handling systems and methods for telecommunication sites, suchas cell sites. Specifically, the systems and methods provide handling ofhazardous or Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) conditionbatteries. The EH&S condition batteries can be damaged, cracked,swollen, or leaking and are typically called out for immediate removalfrom a site.

Also, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relatesto de-celling batteries for installation in telecommunication sites,such as cell sites. As described herein, de-celling includes separatingindividual battery cells from a manufacturer for transport to andinstallation at an associated site. The individual cells of a batteryare easier to handle and install. The de-celling of batteries can beutilized with the battery recycling systems and methods, the securityscrews, and the battery installation improvement apparatus and methodalso described herein.

Also, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relatesto cell site audit and inspection systems and methods related to batteryand equipment connections. Specifically, paint or the like is utilizedin a line across a connection once the connection is properly torqued.The torque marks can be verified as part of close-out audits followingany installation or maintenance work and then verified over timeincluding remotely via virtual site surveys.

Also, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relatesto battery recycling systems and methods such as with respect to cellsites. Specifically, the battery recycling systems and methods providean efficient, safe, and verifiable approach to recycling batteries. Thesystems and methods track used (spent) batteries from the deinstallationprocess at a cell site through final recycling evidenced by a recyclingcertificate. The systems and methods include various tracking techniquessuch as implemented through mobile devices and cloud systems.

Also, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relatesto a battery installation with security screws for theft deterrence incell site shelters and the like. Specifically, the battery installationutilizes security screws in various configurations for anchoring andsecuring batteries on site, such as at a cell site. Further, a method ofinstallation is also described. The security screws require aspecialized bit or tool for locking and tightening. Batteries can beanchored to terminal plates with the security screws. Further, thebatteries can be locked together with one another forming a single unit,increasing the weight and bulk of the single unit presenting significantchallenges to remove the batteries. Even further, brackets can be usedwith the security screws to attach the batteries to a shelf, cabinet,etc.

Also, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relatesto a battery installation improvement apparatus and method in cell siteshelters and the like. The apparatus includes an adjustable rackdimensioned to fit into small telecom cabinets or shelters and used toremove old batteries and install new batteries quickly (i.e., multiplebatteries at a time) and efficiently (i.e., less labor required). Theadjustable rack includes omnidirectional wheels and can bemaneuvered/positioned in the shelter adjacent to a battery system. Theadjustable rack includes adjustable shelves which can be positionedadjacent to old batteries for removal thereof, the apparatus can bewheeled out of the shelter to remove the old batteries, new batteriescan be placed on the adjustable shelves, which can be positioned atappropriate heights based on the removal, and the apparatus can bemaneuvered/positioned back to the battery system where the new batteriesare provided. Advantageously, the apparatus can be used by a singleinstaller, more than doubling the efficiency in removing/installingbatteries. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus can be usedin conjunction with the security screws and installation approach.

§1.0 Exemplary Cell Site

Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates aside view of an exemplary cell site 10. The cell site 10 includes a celltower 12. The cell tower 12 can be any type of elevated structure, suchas 100-200 feet/30-60 meters tall. Generally, the cell tower 12 is anelevated structure for holding cell site components 14. The cell tower12 may also include a lighting rod 16, a warning light 18, etc. Ofcourse, there may various additional components associated with the celltower 12 and the cell site 10 which are omitted for illustrationpurposes. In this exemplary embodiment, there are four sets 20, 22, 24,26 of cell site components 14, such as for four different wirelessservice providers. In this example, the sets 20, 22, 24 include variousantennas 30 for cellular service. The sets 20, 22, 24 are deployed insectors, e.g., there can be three sectors for the cell sitecomponents—alpha, beta, and gamma. The antennas 30 are used to bothtransmit a radio signal to a mobile device and receive the signal fromthe mobile device. The antennas 30 are usually deployed as a single,groups of two, three or even four per sector. The higher the frequencyof spectrum supported by the antenna 30, the shorter the antenna 30. Forexample, the antennas 30 may operate around 850 MHz, 1.9 GHz, and thelike. The set 26 includes a microwave dish 32 which can be used toprovide other types of wireless connectivity, besides cellular service.There may be other embodiments where the cell tower 12 is omitted andreplaced with other types of elevated structures such as roofs, watertanks, etc.

To support the various cell site components and their operation thereof,the cell site 10 includes a shelter 50 (which can also be referred to asa cabinet, house, etc.) which include electronics and other networkingequipment to support the functionality and operation. The shelter 50 caninclude a battery system which supports power for the various equipmentat the cell site 10 when a primary power source is unavailable. Thepresent disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for improvinginstallation efficiency of individual batteries in the battery system.The apparatus and method are illustrated herein referencing the cellsite 10 and the shelter 50, but those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize other applications are also contemplated in the telecom anddata communications space.

§2.0 Exemplary Shelter

Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustratesan exemplary interior 52 of a shelter 50 at the cell site 10. Generally,the shelter 50 houses equipment associated with the cell site 10 such aswireless RF terminals 60 (e.g., LTE terminals), wireless backhaulequipment 62, power distribution 64, and the like. Generally, wirelessRF terminals 60 connect to the cell site components 14 for providingassociated wireless service. The wireless backhaul equipment 62 includesnetworking equipment to bring the associated wireless service signals toa wireline network, such as via fiber optics or the like. The powerdistribution 64 provides power for all of the equipment such as from thegrid as well as a battery backup to enable operation in the event ofpower failures. Of course, additional equipment and functionality arecontemplated in the interior 52. The terminals 60, equipment 62, and thepower distribution 64 can be realized as rack or frame mounted hardwarewith cabling 66 and with associated modules 68. The modules 68 can bepluggable modules which are selectively inserted in the hardware andeach can include unique identifiers 70 such as barcodes, Quick Response(QR) codes, RF Identification (RFID), physical labeling, color coding,or the like. Each module 918 can be unique with a serial number, partnumber, and/or functional identifier. The modules 68 are configured asneeded to provide the associated functionality of the cell site.

The power distribution 64 can receive power from a primary source whichis typically a local power provider. To support resiliency andredundancy when the primary source is unavailable, e.g., during a poweroutage, the shelter 50 can include a battery system 80 which can also becoupled to the power distribution 64. The present disclosure relates toan apparatus which is maneuverable in the shelter 50 to remove/installbatteries in the battery system 80.

§3.0 Battery System for a Shelter or the Like

Referring to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagramillustrates an exemplary battery system 80. The battery system 80 caninclude N batteries 82, N being an integer such as 4, 8, 16, 48, etc.(N=8 in the example of FIG. 3). The number of batteries 82 is selectedbased on the amount of equipment associated with the cell site 10 andthe amount of backup time desired. Typically, the number of batteries is4 or more. The battery system 80 can include a housing 84, such as aframe, rack, etc. with openings for each of the batteries 82. Forexample, the housing 84 can have a rectangular shape with rows 86, 88 ofthe batteries 82 at various heights. The example of FIG. 3 includes tworows 86, 88, but other embodiments are also contemplated such as asingle row, more than two rows, etc.

The batteries 82 can be selectively plugged/unplugged into the housing84 of the battery system 80. The housing 84 supports connectivitybetween the batteries 82 and to the power distribution 64 as well asmonitoring of the batteries 82. In other embodiments, the battery system80 can omit the housing 84 where the batteries 82 are directly connectedto one another and supported, for example, by shelves or simply placedon the ground and on top of one another. The batteries 82 can include ahandle 90 or the like for an installer to handle physically.

§4.0 Battery Installation Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates abattery installation apparatus 100 for assisting in the removal andinstallation of the batteries 82 in the shelter 50. The batteryinstallation apparatus 100 is a maneuverable frame 102 withomnidirectional wheels 104. Specifically, the frame 102 can include fourvertical support posts 106, 108, 110, 112 each connected to one of theomnidirectional wheels 104. The shape of the frame 102 is generallyrectangular, similar to the battery system 80. A front side 114 of theframe is open, and a rear side 116 includes support bars 118 connectedbetween the posts 108, 110. The sides of the frame 102 include supportbars 120 between the posts 110, 112 and the posts 106, 108.

The apparatus 100 can include a fixed bottom shelf 130 connected ordisposed to the posts 106, 108, 110, 112. The apparatus 100 can alsoinclude a moveable shelf 132. The moveable shelf 132 is adjustable basedon four pulleys 140, 142, 144, 146. The pulley 140 includes a handle 148that is adapted to rotate to move a rope or other winch type mechanismwhich is connected to the other pulleys 142, 144, 146 as well. Movementof the handle 148 causes the moveable shelf 132 to move verticallyevenly in either direction (based on the rotation direction of thehandle 148). When the handle 148 is stationary, the moveable shelf 132remains fixed in place.

The shelves 130, 132 are configured to support the batteries 82.Specifically, the apparatus 100 is dimensioned to support the Nbatteries 82, sort of like a mobile battery system 80. The moveableshelf 132 is vertically adjusted to match the height of the second rowof the batteries 82 in the battery system 80.

In an exemplary embodiment, a battery installation apparatus forinstalling and removing batteries in a shelter or cabinet includes aframe comprising four posts, wherein the frame is dimensioned tomaneuver in the shelter or cabinet; a lower shelf fixed to the frame; anupper shelf moveable on the frame, wherein each of the lower shelf andthe upper shelf are dimensioned to support the batteries; andomnidirectional wheels disposed to each of the four posts.

To install the batteries, a plurality of batteries are placed on thelower shelf and the upper shelf; the frame is moved into the shelter orcabinet to a location proximate and adjacent to a battery system in theshelter or cabinet; the upper shelf is adjusted based on the batterysystem; and each of the plurality of batteries is moved to the batterysystem. To remove the batteries, the frame is moved into the shelter orcabinet to a location proximate and adjacent to a battery system in theshelter or cabinet; old batteries from the battery system are placed onthe upper shelf and the lower shelf; the frame is moved out of theshelter or cabinet; and the old batteries are removed.

The frame can be dimensioned based on a size of the battery system and asize of the shelter or cabinet. The battery installation apparatus canfurther include a pulley system coupled to the four posts to raise andlower a shelf of the shelves vertically. The pulley system can include ahandle which is rotated to move the upper shelf and which holds theupper shelf when the handle is stationary. The battery installationapparatus can include a rectangular shape. The plurality of batteriescan include N batteries, N=4, 8, 16, 24, or 48. The battery installationapparatus can be operated by a single installer. The shelter or cabinetcan be at a cell site.

§5.0 Battery Installation Method

Referring to FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustratesa battery installation method 200 for assisting in the removal andinstallation of the batteries 82 in the shelter 50 using the batteryinstallation apparatus 100. The battery installation method 200 includesplacing a plurality of batteries on shelves of a battery installationapparatus (step 202); moving the battery installation apparatus into theshelter or cabinet to a location proximate and adjacent to a batterysystem in the shelter or cabinet (step 204); adjusting an upper shelf ofthe shelves on the battery installation apparatus based on the batterysystem (step 206); and moving each of the plurality of batteries fromthe shelves to the battery system (step 208). The battery installationmethod can further include, prior to step 202, moving the batteryinstallation apparatus into the shelter or cabinet to the location;removing old batteries from the battery system and placing the oldbatteries on the shelves; moving the battery installation apparatus outof the shelter or cabinet; and removing the old batteries.

The battery installation apparatus can be dimensioned based on a size ofthe battery system and a size of the shelter or cabinet. The batteryinstallation apparatus can include omnidirectional wheels formaneuverability. The battery installation apparatus can include a framewith posts supporting the shelves and with a pulley system to verticallyraise and lower a shelf of the shelves. The battery installationapparatus can include a rectangular shape with a lower shelf fixed to aframe. The moving can be through a pulley system which rotates a handleto move the upper shelf and holds the upper shelf when the handle isstationary. The plurality of batteries can include N batteries, N=4, 8,16, 24, or 48. The method 200 can be performed by a single installer.The shelter or cabinet can be at a cell site.

§6.0 Security Screws for Battery Installation

Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustratesan example of a security screw 300. As described herein, the securityscrew 300 and other security screws have unique designs that make themvirtually impossible to remove without specialized tools. The securityscrews can be referred to as tamper proof, tamper resistant, etc. Thesystems and methods described herein contemplate the use of any type ofsecurity screw. Common examples of tamper resistant screws are one-wayscrews, spanner screws, and a tamper-resistant Allen-head screw with aprotruding pin keeping regular Allen wrenches from working. A one-wayscrew has counter-clockwise ramps in the screw's head. A screw-driverturned clockwise engages the screw-head and forces it to rotate, but ascrew-driver turned counter-clockwise slides up the ramps andaccomplishes nothing. The intention is that the screws can be installedwith a standard screw-driver but cannot be easily removed without aspecial removal tool that digs into the ramps to get a good grip.

A spanner screw has two small holes drilled in its head and is designedto be installed and removed with a special spanner screw-driver. Thesecurity screw 300 is an example of a spanner screw. A tamper-resistantAllen-head screw is designed to be removed only with a speciallymodified Allen wrench having a small hole drilled in its end to acceptthe protruding pin in the head of the screw. Also, the security screwscan have unique, proprietary designs making them more tamper resistantthan off-the-shelf variants such as the spanner screw. Again, thesystems and methods described herein contemplate the use of any type ofsecurity screw.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates abattery 400 with security screws 300 attaching terminals 402, 404 toterminal plates 406, 408. The battery 400 can be square or rectangularshaped, and the battery 400 can be positioned and installed with thebattery installation apparatus 100. The battery 400 includes terminals402, 404 (e.g., a positive and a negative terminal) which need to beconnected to corresponding leads (not shown) to connect the battery 400.Note, the battery 400 can be connected in various ways (e.g., series,parallel, etc.) with other batteries. The terminals 402, 404 areconnected to terminal plates 406, 408 respectively and the terminalplates 406, 408 are ultimately connected to the leads. This connectionis both a physical connection, locking the battery 400 in place, and anelectrical connection.

In the systems and methods, the terminals 402, 404 are physicallyconnected to the terminal plates 406, 408 using the security screws 300(or any variant of security, tamper proof, or tamper resistant screw).The security screws 300 are used in lieu of conventional screws. On-siteinstallation personnel is equipped with an associated unique tool tofasten and tighten the security screws 300 physically connecting theterminals 402, 404 with the terminal plates 406, 408. Note, the terminalplates 406, 408 can also be connected at an opposite end via thesecurity screws 300. The security screws 300 have minimal increased costfrom conventional screws and add little to no additional installationtime. At the same time, the security screws 300 advantageously lock thebattery 400 in place, minimizing the risk of theft. That is, onceinstalled, the battery 400 is physically locked and cannot be undonewithout the unique tool.

Also, paint can be applied to the security screw 300, the terminals 402,404, and the terminal plates 406, 408 after the security screw 300 istightened. The paint is for quality control, to show that the steps havebeen taken to appropriately tighten the security screw 300 (to thespecified torque)—assumption is made that if someone takes the troubleto apply the paint, they have appropriately tightened the screw. And, ifthe paint is applied and dries in place on a tightened security screw300 and then is found to be broken, the security screw 300 is no longertight—an easy visual confirmation of appropriately tightenedconnections.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in an exemplary embodiment, diagramsillustrate a bracket 500 fastened to a housing 502 via the securityscrews 300. The bracket 500 can be used in conjunction with the securityscrews 300 between the terminals 402, 404 and the terminal plates 406,408. The bracket 500 locks the batteries 400 together to a structure,i.e., the housing 502. For example, the housing 502 can be part of acabinet or the like. FIG. 10 illustrates the batteries 400 installed inan outside plant cabinet. The bracket 500 locks the batteries 400together as a single unit and provides protection from removal. Thebracket 500 can also hold the batteries 400 in place.

Referring to FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a battery installation method 600 with security screws fortheft deterrence in cell site shelters and the like. The batteryinstallation method 600 includes placing one or more batteries in theshelter or cabinet (step 602); connecting terminals on each of the oneor more batteries to associated terminal plates with associated securityscrews (step 604); and connecting a bracket to a housing in the shelteror cabinet with associated security screws, wherein the bracket spansacross the one or more batteries (step 606). The security screws areinstalled with a unique tool specially designed for the associatedsecurity screws to deter tampering. The security screws can includespanner screws, one-way screws, or tamper-resistant Allen-head screwseach with a protruding pin. The security screws can include uniquelydesigned screw heads with a corresponding unique tool.

The placing step 602 can include placing the one or more batteries onshelves of a battery installation apparatus; moving the batteryinstallation apparatus into the shelter or cabinet to a locationproximate and adjacent to a battery system in the shelter or cabinet;adjusting an upper shelf of the shelves on the battery installationapparatus based on the battery system; and moving each of the one ormore batteries from the shelves to the battery system. The batteryinstallation method 600 can further include moving the batteryinstallation apparatus into the shelter or cabinet to the location;removing old batteries from the battery system and placing the oldbatteries on the shelves; moving the battery installation apparatus outof the shelter or cabinet; and removing the old batteries.

The battery installation apparatus can be dimensioned based on a size ofthe battery system and a size of the shelter or cabinet. The batteryinstallation apparatus can include omnidirectional wheels formaneuverability. The battery installation apparatus can include a framewith posts supporting the shelves and with a pulley system to verticallyraise and lower a shelf of the shelves. The battery installationapparatus can include a rectangular shape with a lower shelf fixed to aframe. The moving can be through a pulley system which rotates a handleto move the upper shelf and holds the upper shelf when the handle isstationary. The one or more batteries can include N batteries, N=4, 8,16, 24, or 48. The battery installation method 600 can be performed by asingle installer. The shelter or cabinet is at a cell site.

§7.0 Used Battery Handling and Recycling

Referring to FIG. 12, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a battery recycling method 700. The battery recycling method700 is implemented at one or more of the cell sites 10 and a staginglocation (e.g., a warehouse, etc.) and can utilize the batteryinstallation apparatus 100 and/or the security screws 300. Again,objectives of the battery recycling method 700 include i)safety—ensuring the used batteries are properly removed, stored, andtransported, ii) efficiency—dealing with multiple cell sites 10efficiently, and iii) compliance—ensuring the batteries are properlyrecycled.

The battery recycling method 700 initiates on site with uniquelyidentifying and marking used batteries (step 702). Specifically, step702 includes arriving on site such as at the cell site 10 andidentifying the used batteries 82. The used batteries 82 can be uniquelyidentified or tagged as they are removed from the cell site 10. Forexample, the battery recycling method 700 can include the use of amobile device 800 which is used to track the used batteries 82electronically. The mobile device 800 can execute an application orbrowser to communicate/store data on a back-end server or in the cloudrelated to the uniquely identified and marked batteries 82. For example,a technician assisting in performing the battery recycling method 700can note the quantity, make, model, etc. of the used batteries via themobile device 800 and the mobile device 800 can provide this data to theback-end server or the cloud for tracking and compliance. For example,once the data is input in step 702, the technician can confirm prior to,concurrent with, or subsequent to the removal of the batteries 82 fortransport from the cell site 10 to a warehouse/temporary stagingfacility.

Also, as part of the uniquely identifying and marking used batteries, acertificate of recycling can be generated stating that the companyperforming the battery recycling method 700 has taken ownership of theused batteries 82 along with language that confirms the batteryrecycling method 700 will be followed and performed to comply withapplicable regulations (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)guidelines, etc.). The certificate of recycling can also identify therecycling facility, etc. and the purpose of the certificate of recyclingis to allow the cell site 10 operator assurances regarding properprocedures and transfer of liability. Again, the certificate ofrecycling can be electronic, through the back-end server or the cloud.

The used batteries 82 are packaged and removed from the cell site 10(step 704). The used batteries 82 can be any size, e.g., 12V which isabout 2-3 times the size of a typical car battery, or the like. Forexample, the removal of the used batteries 82 can utilize the batteryinstallation apparatus 100 to efficiently remove the batteries 82 fromthe cell site 10. The used batteries 82 are packaged such as placed onpallets or the like and removed from the cell site 10 for staging, suchas at the warehouse/temporary staging facility (step 706). The batteryrecycling method 700 contemplates the technician or multiple techniciansvisiting one or more cell sites 10 and performing steps 702, 704 at thecell site 10 and step 706 as a transportation step between the cell site10 and the warehouse/temporary staging facility. For example, multiplecell sites 10 can be visited for removing batteries 82 before returningto the warehouse/temporary staging facility.

At the warehouse/temporary staging facility, after a certain number ofused batteries 82 have been staged, the used batteries 82 are packagedfor recycling in a safe manner (step 708). The safe manner includesvarious steps and packaging to ensure the used batteries 82 can besafely transported to the recycling facility. For example, the packagingmust include insulation to protect battery leads from touching metal orthe like during transport. The packaging can include a cardboard orwooden box with form fitting slots for each battery 82, and the box cansit on a pallet. Alternatively, the batteries 82 can be directly placedon a pallet such as with an empty sheet of cardboard (or wood or othersuitable insulating material) placed on top of the empty pallet. Thesheet of cardboard can include markings with lines and with identifiers.The technicians can place each battery 82 on an empty space based on themarkings. Also, the associated identifier can be noted, such as throughthe mobile device 800. For example, battery X which was uniquelyidentified at cell site A was placed on pallet N in space 1. That is,during the lifecycle of the battery recycling method 700, each time thebattery 82 is moved or packaged, this can be noted via the mobile device800.

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of a pallet 750, an insulation sheet752, and a top sheet 754 without the batteries 82. The pallet 750 can bewooden, metal, plastic, etc. and configured to be picked up by aforklift or the like. The insulation sheet 752 can be the empty sheet ofcardboard (or wood or other suitable insulating material) placed on topof the empty pallet 750. The insulation sheet 752 includes lines 756showing where to place each battery 82, and each box can include aunique label 758 for identifying a location of each battery 82 fortracking. Note, the mobile device 800 is described later, and thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the tracking at each step cantake various approaches including manual data entry, photos, bar codescanning, RFID, etc.

Once a complete layer of batteries 82 is placed on the pallet 750 or inthe box, another sheet of cardboard (or wood or other suitableinsulating material) is placed on top of the batteries 82. Further, eachof the batteries 82 can have a tape or similar adhesive with insulatingproperties placed on the terminals to prevent contact or leaking duringtransport. The layering of the batteries 82 can be repeated until acertain height is achieved on the pallet 750, e.g., three rows. The toplayer of batteries 82 can have another sheet of cardboard (or wood orother suitable insulating material) placed on top, and this can bereferred to as a top sheet of cardboard, i.e., the top sheet 754.Similar to the insulation sheet 752, the top sheet 754 can include anempty sheet of cardboard (or wood or other suitable insulatingmaterial). Also, the top sheet 754 can have sides that extend beyond theouter edge of the top row of batteries 82.

Once the top sheet 754 is placed on a full pallet 750, the pallet 750can be banded through the bottom of the pallet 750 and around thebatteries 82 such as using a poly type material strapping to secure theload as a single unit that does not shift during transport. It isimportant to avoid any metal in strapping down the batteries 82 to avoidany contact with the used batteries 82. The pallet 750 can also bewrapped in shrink wrap or the like covering the outer edges of the toprow of batteries 82 down to and including around the outside corner ofthe pallet 750.

The pallet 750 can be labeled with appropriate information includingwarnings such as non-combustible and other relevant information such asthe site ID and quantity, make, a model of batteries and estimatedweight for each pallet 750. The pallet 750 can also be labeled withnumber tracking, e.g., pallet 1 of 15, 2 of 15, etc.

With the label and the completely packed pallet 750, the batteryrecycling method 700 can include a verification step where a photo istaken of the pallet 750 including the label, and this photo can beuploaded to the back-end server or the cloud and correlated with eachbattery 82 being tracked. This photo can serve as a confirmation thatthe batteries 82 were packed and loaded on the pallet 750 and are readyto ship.

With packed pallets 750, the packed, used batteries 82 are sent to arecycling facility (step 710). For example, a Bill of Lading (BOL) canbe prepared for shipment document the total number of pallets andestimated weight for shipment.

Importantly, the used batteries 82 are tracked at each step in thebattery recycling method 700, such as using the mobile device 800 andthe back-end server/cloud. Various reports can be generated including aninventory label sheet—an overall document created that shows batteriesby pallet #, battery quantity, make & model and site origin. Also, thisinformation can be accessible by the cell site owner 10 on demand, e.g.,a process map which shows where the used batteries 82 are in the batteryrecycling method 700.

Once a final recycling certificate is received, the overall document isattached to verify the tracking of batteries at the individual levelfrom removal to recycle (step 714). For example, the recyclingcertificate can be used for liability issues—battery X was found in alandfill, and there is a fine or the like—the cell site operator now hasa document showing the liability resides with the operator of thebattery recycling method 700.

The battery recycling method 700 can be adapted to different serviceproviders, and the interface between the back-end server/cloud can beprogrammed to interface with back office systems for various serviceproviders to automate various data exchanges. Also, the back-endserver/cloud can include scheduling applications such as to schedulepick ups, new battery installations, etc.

§8.0 Exemplary Computing Device

Referring to FIG. 14, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagramillustrates a mobile device 800 or general computing device, which maybe used for the tracking aspects of the battery recycling method 700 andthe back-end server/cloud. The mobile device 800 can be a digital devicethat, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor802, input/output (I/O) interfaces 804, a network interface 806, a datastore 808, and memory 810. It should be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that FIG. 14 depicts the mobile device 800 in anoversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additionalcomponents and suitably configured processing logic to support known orconventional operating features that are not described in detail herein.The components (802, 804, 806, 808, and 802) are communicatively coupledvia a local interface 812. The local interface 812 can be, for example,but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wirelessconnections, as is known in the art. The local interface 812 can haveadditional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such ascontrollers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, amongmany others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 812may include address, control, and/or data connections to enableappropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 802 is a hardware device for executing softwareinstructions. The processor 802 can be any custom made or commerciallyavailable processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliaryprocessor among several processors associated with the mobile device800, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip orchip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions.When the mobile device 800 is in operation, the processor 802 isconfigured to execute software stored within the memory 810, tocommunicate data to and from the memory 810, and to generally controloperations of the mobile device 800 pursuant to the softwareinstructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 802 may includea mobile-optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption andmobile applications. The I/O interfaces 804 can be used to receive userinput from and/or for providing system output. User input can beprovided via, for example, a keypad, a touch screen, a scroll ball, ascroll bar, buttons, barcode scanner, and the like. System output can beprovided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD),touch screen, and the like. The I/O interfaces 304 can also include, forexample, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer systeminterface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF)interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/Ointerfaces 804 can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enablesa user to interact with the mobile device 810. Additionally, the I/Ointerfaces 804 may further include an imaging device, i.e., camera,video camera, etc. used to obtain data such as from a barcode, QuickResponse (QR) code, etc.

The network interface 806 enables wireless communication to an externalaccess device or network. Any number of suitable wireless datacommunication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supportedby the network interface 806, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA(infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any othervariation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping SpreadSpectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordlesstelecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home networkcommunication protocols; proprietary wireless data communicationprotocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols forwireless communication. For the back-end server/cloud, the networkinterface 806 can include a wired network interface such as an Ethernetvariant. The data store 808 may be used to store data. The data store808 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random accessmemory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatilememory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), andcombinations thereof. Moreover, the data store 808 may incorporateelectronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory 810 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatilememory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof.Moreover, the memory 810 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical,and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 810 may have adistributed architecture, where various components are situated remotelyfrom one another but can be accessed by the processor 802. The softwarein memory 810 can include one or more software programs, each of whichincludes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementinglogical functions. In the example of FIG. 14, the software in the memory810 includes a suitable operating system (O/S) 814 and programs 816. Theoperating system 814 essentially controls the execution of othercomputer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, fileand data management, memory management, and communication control andrelated services. The programs 816 may include various applications,add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with themobile device 800. For example, exemplary programs 816 may include, butnot limited to, a web browser, social networking applications, streamingmedia applications, games, mapping and location applications, electronicmail applications, and the like. In a typical example, the end usertypically uses one or more of the programs 816 along with a networkconnection to the back-end server/cloud. The programs 816 can include atracking app which is used during the battery recycling method 700.

§9.0 Cell Site Audit/Inspection/Site Survey

In general, a cell site audit (or site inspection, site survey, etc.) isperformed to gather information and identify a state of the cell site10. This is used to check the installation, maintenance, and/oroperation of the cell site 10. Various aspects of the cell site auditcan include, without limitation:

  Verify the cell site 10 is built according to a current revisionVerify Equipment Labeling Verify Coax Cable (“Coax”) Bend Radius VerifyCoax Color Coding/Tagging Check for Coax External Kinks & Dents VerifyCoax Ground Kits Verify Coax Hanger/Support Verify Coax Jumpers VerifyCoax Size Check for Connector Stress & Distortion Check for ConnectorWeatherproofing Verify Correct Duplexers/Diplexers Installed VerifyDuplexer/Diplexer Mounting Verify Duplexers/Diplexers InstalledCorrectly Verify Fiber Paper Verify Lacing & Tie Wraps Check for Looseor Cross-Threaded Coax Connectors Verify Return (“Ret”) Cables VerifyRet Connectors Verify Ret Grounding Verify Ret Installation Verify RetLightning Protection Unit (LPI) Check for Shelter/Cabinet PenetrationsVerify Surge Arrestor Installation/Grounding Verify Site CleanlinessVerify LTE GPS Antenna Installation

Of note, the cell site audit includes gathering information at andinside the shelter 50, on the cell tower 12, and at the cell sitecomponents 14. The cell site audit (site inspection, site survey, etc.)is used for various purposes including to verify proper installation,proper maintenance, and proper operation over time.

§9.1 Torque Mark to Verify Power and Equipment Connections

It can be difficult to remotely verify connections such as batteryconnections, coax connections, etc. The systems and methods describedherein provide a mechanism to visually and even remotely verifyconnection veracity merely by visual inspection. Referring to FIG. 15,in an exemplary embodiment, a picture illustrates a torque mark 850 onthe connection between the terminals 402, 404 and the terminal plates406, 608 for the battery 400. The torque mark 850 can be paint appliedbetween the terminals 402, 404 and the terminal plates 406, 608 once theconnections are appropriately torqued after installation. The torquemark 850, when initially made, visually indicates a quality connection.The torque mark 850 paint is any paint that will not negatively interactchemically with the battery 400, and thus fail, fade, etc. In anexemplary embodiment, the torque mark 850 paint is colored for easyvisual inspection, such as red, yellow, or some other bright color. Ofnote, the color of the torque mark 850 paint should be distinct from thecolor of the underlying equipment (which is typically silver, gray,etc.). If the torque mark 850 is broken, it can visually be determinedthere is a problem with the connection.

While FIG. 15 illustrates the battery 400, those skilled in the art willrecognize the torque mark 850 can be used on any connection, e.g.,bolted connection in the shelter 50. For example, the torque mark 850can be applied to racks/battery cases/power plants to show they havebeen appropriately anchored to the floor.

Also, the torque mark 850 contemplates any material or the like whichcan be physically attached to both ends of the connection and whichwould break or visually show signs of decay based on the connectionlosing torque. For example, the torque mark 850 can be paint, a marker,cellophane, tape, wax or wax-like compound, silicon, etc. Also, for easeof application, the material for the torque mark 850 can have anadhesive that is removed allowing for quick application. Alternatively,the material for the torque mark 850 can be dispensed through adispensing apparatus.

The torque mark 850 can be applied across a top of the bolt in a lineextending onto the surface of the object the bolt is connected to. Ifthe bolt loosens, the torque mark 850 will break and/or fall off. Thus,simple visual inspection can confirm that the connections are still atthe torque they were originally tightened to. Advantageously, the torquemark 850 as paint does not fade as a pen or marker would. Further, thetorque mark 850 is easily verified remotely through virtual site surveysas described herein.

§10.0 3D Modeling Systems and Methods for Cell Site Audits

Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and photo data capture can be used forremote, virtual site surveys, audits, inspections, etc. of the cell site10, specifically the shelter 50. The photo data capture can be throughany means, including portable cameras, fixed cameras, heads up displays(HUD), head mounted cameras, and the like. The systems and methodsdescribed herein contemplate the data capture through any availabletechnique. Referring to FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagramillustrates an exemplary interior 900 of a building 902, such as theshelter 50, at the cell site 10. Generally, the building 902 housesequipment associated with the cell site 10 such as wireless RF terminals910 (e.g., LTE terminals), wireless backhaul equipment 912, powerdistribution 914, the batteries 400, and the like. Generally, wirelessRF terminals 910 connect to the cell site components 14 for providingassociated wireless service. The wireless backhaul equipment 912includes networking equipment to bring the associated wireless servicesignals to a wireline network, such as via fiber optics or the like. Thepower distribution 914 provides power for all of the equipment such asfrom the grid as well as a battery backup to enable operation in theevent of power failures. Of course, additional equipment andfunctionality are contemplated in the interior 900.

The terminals 910, equipment 912, and the power distribution 914 can berealized as rack or frame mounted hardware with cabling 916 and withassociated modules 918. The modules 918 can be pluggable modules whichare selectively inserted in the hardware and each can include uniqueidentifiers 920 such as barcodes, Quick Response (QR) codes, RFIdentification (RFID), physical labeling, color coding, or the like.Each module 918 can be unique with a serial number, part number, and/orfunctional identifier. The modules 918 are configured as needed toprovide the associated functionality of the cell site.

The systems and methods include photo data capture in the interior 900for 3D modeling and for virtual site surveys. The photo data capture canbe performed by a fixed, rotatable camera 930 located in the interior900. The camera 930 can be communicatively coupled to a DataCommunication Network (DCN), such as through the wireless backhaulequipment 912 or the like. The camera 930 can be remotely controlled,such as by an engineer performing a site survey from his or her office.Other techniques of photo data capture can include an on-site techniciantaking photos with a camera and uploading them to a cloud service or thelike. Again, the systems and methods contemplate any type of datacapture.

Again, with a plurality of photos, e.g., hundreds, it is possible toutilize photogrammetry to create a 3D model of the interior 900 (as wellas a 3D model of the exterior as described above). The 3D model iscreated using physical cues in the photos to identify objects ofinterest, such as the modules 918, the unique identifiers 920, or thelike.

§11.0 Virtual Site Survey

Referring to FIG. 17, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a virtual site survey process 950 for the cell site 10. Thevirtual site survey process 950 is associated with the cell site 10 andutilizes three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance, i.e., atan office as opposed to in the field. The virtual site survey process950 includes obtaining a plurality of photographs of a cell siteincluding a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof(step 952); subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality ofphotographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell sitebased on one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs(step 954); and remotely performing a site survey of the cell siteutilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collectand obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one ormore buildings, and the interiors thereof (step 956). The 3D model is acombination of an exterior of the cell site including the cell tower andassociated cell site components thereon, geography local to the cellsite, and the interiors of the one or more buildings at the cell site,and the 3D model can include detail at a module level in the interiors.

The remotely performing the site survey can include determiningequipment location on the cell tower and in the interiors; measuringdistances between the equipment and within the equipment to determineactual spatial location; and determining connectivity between theequipment based on associated cabling. The remotely performing the sitesurvey can include planning for one or more of new equipment and changesto existing equipment at the cell site through drag and drop operationsin the GUI, wherein the GUI includes a library of equipment for the dragand drop operations; and, subsequent to the planning, providing a listof the one or more of the new equipment and the changes to the existingequipment based on the library, for implementation thereof. The remotelyperforming the site survey can include providing one or more of thephotographs of an associated area of the 3D model responsive to anoperation in the GUI. The virtual site survey process 950 can includerendering a texture map of the interiors responsive to an operation inthe GUI.

The virtual site survey process 950 can include performing an inventoryof equipment at the cell site including cell site components on the celltower and networking equipment in the interiors, wherein the inventoryfrom the 3D model uniquely identifies each of the equipment based onassociated unique identifiers. The remotely performing the site surveycan include providing an equipment visual in the GUI of a rack and allassociated modules therein. The obtaining can include obtaining thephotographs on the cell tower, and the obtaining includes one or more ofa fixed and portable camera obtaining the photographs in the interior.The obtaining can be performed by an on-site technician at the cellsite, and the site survey can be remotely performed.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to perform avirtual site survey of a cell site utilizing three-dimensional (3D)models for remote performance includes a network interface and aprocessor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive, viathe network interface, a plurality of photographs of a cell siteincluding a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof;process the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D)model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in theplurality of photographs, subsequent to receiving the photographs; andprovide a Graphical User Interface of the 3D model for remoteperformance of a site survey of the cell site utilizing the 3D model tocollect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, theone or more buildings, and the interiors thereof.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of receiving a plurality of photographsof a cell site including a cell tower and one or more buildings andinteriors thereof; processing the plurality of photographs to define athree dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or moreobjects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent toreceiving the photographs; and rendering a Graphical User Interface ofthe 3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell siteutilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cellsite, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiorsthereof.

The virtual site survey can perform anything remotely that traditionallywould have required on-site presence, including the various aspects ofthe cell site audit 40 described herein. The GUI of the 3D model can beused to check plumbing of coaxial cabling, connectivity of all cabling,automatic identification of cabling endpoints such as through uniqueidentifiers detected on the cabling, and the like. The GUI can furtherbe used to check power plant and batteries, power panels, physicalhardware, grounding, heating and air conditioning, generators, safetyequipment, and the like.

The 3D model can be utilized to automatically provide engineeringdrawings, such as responsive to the planning for new equipment orchanges to existing equipment. Here, the GUI can have a library ofequipment (e.g., approved equipment and vendor information can beperiodically imported into the GUI). Normal drag and drop operations inthe GUI can be used for equipment placement from the library. Also, theGUI system can include error checking, e.g., a particular piece ofequipment is incompatible with placement or in violation of policies,and the like.

§12.0 Close-Out Audit Systems and Methods

A close-out audit is done to document and verify the work performed atthe cell site 10. The systems and methods eliminate the separatethird-party inspection firm for the close-out audit. The systems andmethods include the installers (i.e., from the third-party installationfirm, the owner, the operator, etc.) performing video capture subsequentto the installation and maintenance and using various techniques toobtain data from the video capture for the close-out audit. Theclose-out audit can be performed off-site with the data from the videocapture thereby eliminating unnecessary tower climbs, site visits, andthe like.

Referring to FIG. 18, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a close-out audit method 1000 performed at a cell sitesubsequent to maintenance or installation work. The close-out auditmethod 1000 includes, subsequent to the maintenance or installationwork, obtaining video capture of cell site components associated withthe work (step 1002); subsequent to the video capture, processing thevideo capture to obtain data for the close-out audit, wherein theprocessing comprises identifying the cell site components associatedwith the work (step 1004); and creating a close-out audit package basedon the processed video capture, wherein the close-out audit packageprovides verification of the maintenance or installation work andoutlines that the maintenance or installation work was performed in amanner consistent with an operator or owner's guidelines (step 1006).

The video capture can be performed by a mobile device and one or more oflocally stored thereon and transmitted from the mobile device. The videocapture can also be performed by a mobile device which wirelesslytransmits a live video feed, and the video capture is remotely storedfrom the cell site. The video capture can also performed by an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV) flown at the cell site. Further, the video capturecan be a live video feed with two-way communication between an installerassociated with the maintenance or installation work and personnelassociated with the operator or owner to verify the maintenance orinstallation work. For example, the installer and the personnel cancommunicate to go through various items in the maintenance orinstallation work to check/audit the work.

The close-out audit method 1000 can also include creating athree-dimensional (3D) model from the video capture; determiningequipment location from the 3D model; measuring distances between theequipment and within the equipment to determine actual spatial location;and determining connectivity between the equipment based on associatedcabling from the 3D model. The close-out audit method 1000 can alsoinclude uniquely identifying the cell site components from the videocapture and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. The close-outaudit method 1000 can also include determining antenna height, azimuth,and down tilt angles for antennas in the cell site components from thevideo capture; and checking the antenna height, azimuth, and down tiltangles against predetermined specifications.

The close-out audit method 1000 can also include identifying cabling andconnectivity between the cell site components from the video capture anddistinguishing in the close-out audit package. The close-out auditmethod 1000 can also include checking a plurality of factors in theclose-out audit from the video capture compared to the operator orowner's guidelines. The close-out audit method 1000 can also includechecking the grounding of the cell site components from the videocapture, comparing the checked grounding to the operator or owner'sguidelines and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. Theclose-out audit method 1000 can also include checking mechanicalconnectivity of the cell site components to a cell tower based on thevideo capture and distinguishing in the close-out audit package.

In another exemplary embodiment, a system adapted for a close-out auditof a cell site subsequent to maintenance or installation work includes anetwork interface and a processor communicatively coupled to oneanother; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor to, subsequent to the maintenance or installation work, obtainvideo capture of cell site components associated with the work;subsequent to the video capture, process the video capture to obtaindata for the close-out audit, wherein the processing comprisesidentifying the cell site components associated with the work; andcreate a close-out audit package based on the processed video capture,wherein the close-out audit package provides verification of themaintenance or installation work and outlines that the maintenance orinstallation work was performed in a manner consistent with an operatoror owner's guidelines.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of, subsequent to the maintenance orinstallation work, obtaining video capture of cell site componentsassociated with the work; subsequent to the video capture, processingthe video capture to obtain data for the close-out audit, wherein theprocessing comprises identifying the cell site components associatedwith the work; and creating a close-out audit package based on theprocessed video capture, wherein the close-out audit package providesverification of the maintenance or installation work and outlines thatthe maintenance or installation work was performed in a mannerconsistent with an operator or owner's guidelines.

The close-out audit package can include, without limitation, drawings,cell site component settings, test results, equipment lists, pictures,commissioning data, GPS data, Antenna height, azimuth and down tiltdata, equipment data, serial numbers, cabling, etc.

§13.0 Torque Mark—Virtual Site Survey and Close-Out Audit

The torque marks 850 can be applied subsequent to installation ormaintenance of any connections, and these can be verified as part of theclose-out audit. Subsequently, the torque marks 850 can be verified overtime such as remotely via the virtual site survey.

§14.0 De-Celling Battery Systems and Methods

Referring to FIG. 19, a block diagram illustrates 2V batteries whichcome from a manufacturer in rack modules with three cells in each. Thebattery modules are stacked together to make the entire case/string ofbatteries. Those skilled in the art will recognize other batteryconfigurations are also contemplated and used based on the associatedapplication requirements (backup time requirements, power requirements,space requirements, etc.). Of note, the rack module can weigh asignificant amount, e.g., 700+ pounds. This makes transport andinstallation difficult.

Referring to FIG. 20, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a battery de-celling process 1100. The battery de-cellingprocess 1100 is performed on batteries in a multiple-cell configuration,such as in FIG. 19, and the battery de-celling process 1100 isimplemented at a staging (warehouse facility), in transport, and at atelecommunications site, such as the cell site 10.

The battery de-celling process 1100 includes de-celling cells in abattery rack module and attaching a non-conductive bracket to thede-celled cells (step 1102). Step 1102 is performed prior to installingthe batteries and can be performed at a staging location, such as awarehouse, at a manufacturer, etc. The de-celling includes removingindividual cells from a rack module. For example, de-celling the batteryin FIG. 19 provides three separate cells and the rack module. Of course,the separate cells are easier to handle, transport, and install.

To aid in the removal of the cells from the modules, a spray lubricantcan be used. The description herein refers to a spray lubricant, butthose skilled in the art will recognize other products could also beused, such as a powder, a gel, petroleum, etc. Note, the use of thespray lubricant is based on a type/manufacturer of the batteries. Thatis, some brands of batteries require the spray lubricant whereas othersdo not. To del-cell the cells, the non-conductive bracket can beattached to one of the cell terminals (positive only or negative only),a strap can be attached to the bracket, and the cell is slid out bypulling on the strap. For example, the rack module can be positionedsuch that the sliding is parallel to the ground to aid in removal (notagainst gravity and optionally the spray lubricant assists in thesliding). Note, other embodiments are also contemplated includingsliding the cells out at any angle, upside down, perpendicular, etc.

The individual cells are handled separately and transported to a site(step 1104). The site can include the cell site 10, such as the interior52 of the shelter 50. Step 1104 includes the transportation from thestaging location to the installation site. The individual cells andmodule are closer to ˜200 lbs. which is easier to handle. The cells andrack modules can then be handled separately, transported to the site,and re-assembled at the site.

The transport/handling of the de-celled batteries can include placementof a protective insulator layer on a pallet, and the de-celled batteriesare placed on top of the protective insulator layer on the pallet. Forexample, the protective insulator layer can be cardboard or the like.This is similar to the battery recycling systems and methods. Also,another cardboard layer can be placed on top of the de-celled batteriesto cover the battery terminals for safe transport. The cells can bebanded/strapped together and banded/strapped to the pallet. Finally, thepallet can be shrink wrapped, loaded onto a truck or the like, andtransported to the site.

Once at the site, the individual de-celled cells are reassembled andinstalled (step 1106). Specifically, the rack module is reassembled atthe site, i.e., the opposite of the de-celling, including bolting emptymodules together to form battery rack, optionally using the spraylubricant to ease re-insertion of cells into the rack module, etc. There-assembled module can then be inserted into position in the shelter50, such as using the battery installation apparatus 100 or the like.

§15.0 Handling Hazardous or Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S)Condition Batteries

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a process 1200 for handling hazardous orEnvironmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) condition batteries. Theprocess 1200 includes identifying one or more batteries for removal,each of the one or more batteries having a hazardous conditionassociated therewith (step 1202); individually wrapping each of the oneor more batteries and placing each wrapped battery in a container or ina location in a container (step 1204); tracking the container or thelocation in the container to the associated wrapped battery (step 1206);removing the container from the telecommunications site to a storagefacility (step 1208); storing the container in the storage facilityseparate from other batteries (step 1210); provide the container to arecycling facility (step 1212); and verifying proper disposal of the oneor more batteries based on the tracking from the telecommunications siteto the storage facility and to the recycling facility (step 1214).

The identifying is to determine batteries that are hazardous or have anEH&S condition. Once these are identified, these batteries must behandled separately from any other normal condition batteries beingremoved from the telecommunication site. Each individual battery must bewrapped in plastic to prevent additional contamination and eachindividual battery must then be placed in cardboard or rigid plasticcontainer. The container should be labeled with a battery ID (sitelocation), make, model, etc. and/or the container should be labeled withthe hazardous condition. Once back at temporary staging facility(storage facility), the container should be stored separate from normalcondition batteries, e.g., never taken off pallet and monitored forpotential leaking. The container should not be packaged on any palletcontaining other batteries for transport. A shipping coordinator shouldidentify the EH&S batteries and pallets separately on BOL to alert thesmelter (recycling facility) for receiving and proper handling once itis shipped to final recycling destination.

The individual wrapping can utilize a plastic wrap and the containercomprises a cardboard or rigid plastic container. Each of the one ormore batteries can be labeled with identification which provides alocation of the telecommunications site, a make, and a model. Theidentification can be scannable via a mobile device which communicateswith a cloud system for performing the tracking and the process 1200 canfurther include providing alerts based on events associated with thetracking. Each of the one or more batteries can be labeled withidentification indicative of the hazardous condition. The container canbe both electrically ground and sealed for containing any leakage fromthe one or more batteries.

The process 1200 can further include de-celling one or more cells of theone or more batteries prior to the individually wrapping. The process1200 can further include handling the containers by placing thecontainers on a pallet with protective insulator layers and transportingthe pallet to the storage facility and to the recycling facility. Thehandling can include placing individual cells on a pallet withprotective insulator layers, strapping the cells together and the cellsto the pallet, shrink wrapping the pallet, and transporting the palletto the site.

The removing can utilize a battery installation apparatus including aframe including four posts, wherein the frame is dimensioned to maneuverin a shelter or cabinet; a lower shelf fixed to the frame; an uppershelf moveable on the frame, wherein each of the lower shelf and theupper shelf are dimensioned to support the batteries; andomnidirectional wheels disposed to each of the four posts. The frame canbe dimensioned based on a size of the battery system and a size of theshelter or cabinet. The battery installation apparatus can furtherinclude a pulley system coupled to the four posts to vertically raiseand lower a shelf of the shelves. The pulley system can include a handlewhich is rotated to move the upper shelf and which holds the upper shelfwhen the handle is stationary. The battery installation apparatus caninclude a rectangular shape.

The process 1200 can further include providing a recycling certificateto an operator of the telecommunications site evidencing successfulrecycling of the one or more batteries. Based on the tracking, a list ofbattery quantity, make, model, and weight from each correspondingtelecommunication site can be added to the recycling certificateindicating clear chain of custody from the telecommunication sitethrough final disposal at the recycling center.

§16.0 Power Cable Lug Connections

A process for power cable lug connections includes measuring the lengthof lug against the cable. The cable outer casing is cut back such thatthe exposed copper/inner cable matches the length of the lug. Anappropriately sized piece of heat shrink tubing is cut and slid onto thecable above the cut/exposed portion. No-oxidation material is placed onthe exposed cable section/inner cable, where the outer casing has beenremoved. The lug is seated onto the exposed cable section/inner cablesuch that the end of the lug fits snugly against the cable's outercasing. There should be no “shiner,” no exposed gap between end of thelug and the cable's outer casing that would expose the copper/innercable. The heat shrink tube is slid down to be centered over the areawhere the lug and the cable's outer casing meets—extending onto the lugand over the cable's outer casing. The shrink wrap is heated tospecified temperature to shrink fit onto the cable's outer casing andlug. The heat shrink ensures a non-conductive barrier is in place if thelug/cable connection loosens.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and describedherein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examplesthereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functionsand/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments andexamples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, arecontemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of handling and removing batteries froma telecommunications site, the method comprising: identifying one ormore batteries for removal, each of the one or more batteries having ahazardous condition associated therewith; individually wrapping each ofthe one or more batteries and placing each wrapped battery in acontainer or in a location in a container; tracking the container or thelocation in the container to the associated wrapped battery; removingthe container from the telecommunications site to a storage facility;storing the container in the storage facility separate from otherbatteries; provide the container to a recycling facility; and verifyingproper disposal of the one or more batteries based on the tracking fromthe telecommunications site to the storage facility and to the recyclingfacility.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the individual wrappingutilizes a plastic wrap and the container comprises a cardboard or rigidplastic container.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the one ormore batteries are labeled with identification which provides a locationof the telecommunications site, a make, and a model.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the identification is scannable via a mobile devicewhich communicates with a cloud system for performing the tracking andfurther comprising: providing alerts based on events associated with thetracking.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the one or morebatteries are labeled with identification indicative of the hazardouscondition.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the container is bothelectrically ground and sealed for containing any leakage from the oneor more batteries.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:de-celling one or more cells of the one or more batteries prior to theindividually wrapping.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:handling the containers by placing the containers on a pallet withprotective insulator layers and transporting the pallet to the storagefacility and to the recycling facility.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the handling comprises placing individual cells on a pallet withprotective insulator layers, strapping the cells together and the cellsto the pallet, shrink wrapping the pallet, and transporting the palletto the site.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the removing utilizes abattery installation apparatus comprising: a frame comprising fourposts, wherein the frame is dimensioned to maneuver in a shelter orcabinet; a lower shelf fixed to the frame; an upper shelf moveable onthe frame, wherein each of the lower shelf and the upper shelf aredimensioned to support the batteries; and omnidirectional wheelsdisposed to each of the four posts.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinthe frame is dimensioned based on a size of the battery system and asize of the shelter or cabinet.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein thebattery installation apparatus further comprises: a pulley systemcoupled to the four posts to vertically raise and lower a shelf of theshelves.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pulley system comprisesa handle which is rotated to move the upper shelf and which holds theupper shelf when the handle is stationary.
 14. The method of claim 10,wherein the battery installation apparatus comprises a rectangularshape.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing arecycling certificate to an operator of the telecommunications siteevidencing successful recycling of the one or more batteries.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein, based on the tracking, a list of batteryquantity, make, model, and weight from each correspondingtelecommunication site is added to the recycling certificate indicatingclear chain of custody from the telecommunication site through finaldisposal at the recycling center.